Joe Del Castillo

An Excerpt from “Contact” by Joe Del Castillo

NEW FICTION

“Oh no, he can’t. My father died a year ago yesterday.” She tapped his shoulder. “Do you think that’s significant? The fact that they died on the same day, a year apart?”   

Blake didn’t think so and didn’t want to hear some stranger’s life story. Hoping it would end the discourse, he said, “I think it means your dad was a very special person.” 

“He was.”   

Hours earlier, back in his apartment, Blake had pondered calling Christine. He’d stare at his wall phone, consider picking it up, but didn’t follow through. Instead, he called the office and lied, saying he was ill, unable to go in. Well, he was ill, emotionally sick to his stomach, reeling from the reports of the murder of John Lennon the night before. Throughout the morning, he occupied himself by pulling out his Beatles and Lennon’s solo record albums. He gazed at the pictures and read the liner notes, knowing but not yet comprehending that a door had shut, a wall had risen, over his past. Since last night, it seemed the entire world had focused on the Dakota. He watched on TV as crowds had collected outside to hold an impromptu vigil. Seeing that, he decided to join them. No doubt, he would find Christine there. That had to be better than phoning and possibly having to talk to her husband.

The mist turned to rain. The woman opened her umbrella and covered them both. 

“Thank you.” 

COMING SOON to New Pop Lit!

Interview: Joe Del Castillo

1.)  What inspired your story, “And the Angels Sing”?

The story was based on visits I did make to my ailing uncle and also, at random times, a group of subway singers. Over time, I combined them with my thoughts about music in general and turned them into conversations with the hospice person.  

2.)  Who are a few of your favorite writers? Favorite musicians?

Favorite writers include Fitzgerald, the short stories of Hemingway, Ann Beatie, Phillip Pullman. In terms of music, it’s a wide range from theater to rock and pop. From Hammerstein to Sondheim, Sinatra and his pack, the Beatles and Beach Boys, Bruce, Motown.

3.)  Which do you feel is a stronger mode of communication, literature or music?

I think music communicates best. Even if you hear a song in a different language and don’t understand the words, the vocal and melody can  affect your mood.  

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NOW read Joe Del Castillo’s feature story at our main site, “And the Angels Sing.”

An Excerpt from “And the Angels Sing” by Joe Del Castillo

A SNEAK PREVIEW OF NEW POP LIT’S NEXT FEATURE

“Do you remember?” I continued, “I was into the Beatles and all the British Invasion groups that were out then, but you never cared for them. It was difficult for me to understand that you could not see what I saw in those performers. You talked about Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and the like. You insisted that I listen to their music and gain an appreciation for their artistry. I felt I knew them well enough since they were who mom and dad listened to. I now had my own stars and their songs dominated my head. Of course, I was sixteen, so I thought my opinions mattered more. I wanted you to understand what ‘my’ singers were talking about. If your favorites sang about love, mine sang about love, but also civil rights and injustice. Wasn’t that more important?”

Coming Soon!